Act Now to Get Tappan Zee Community Funds, Noise Barriers

Local governments, residents and non-for-profits have until July 3 to make their requests for a piece of the Tappan Zee Bridge’s $20 million community benefit program fund, according to The Journal News.

The New York State Thruway Authority and the Tappan Zee Constructors are splitting the amount intended to pay for improvements in areas near the bridge, The Journal News reports. 

According to the bridge’s website, newnybridge.com, the New NY Bridge Community Benefits Program (CBP) will offer funding to initiatives that:

• Preserve and rehabilitate local infrastructure in the area of the New NY Bridge

• Enhance local recreational opportunities in the area

• Expand pedestrian, bicyclist and transit user access to the new bridge

• Improve road safety features for all users accessing the new bridge

• Enhance emergency response in the area

• Will otherwise have a positive impact on the quality of life for residents and communities in Rockland and Westchester Counties

“Requests will be reviewed and grants will be made until early 2017 or until all funds in the $20 million CBP program are committed, whichever comes first,” according to the website.

So far, Tarrytown has asked for $1.2 million to replace a fire truck, fireboat and ambulance—while the builder agreed on $4.2 million for sound reducing windows and doors at three residential complexes, The Journal News said.

Click here to read the story in The Journal News.

Those who are interested in applying for CBP grant have to submit a letter of interest that is 150 words or less to Brian Conybeare Special Advisor to the Governor for the New NY Bridge Project at 303 South Broadway, Suite 413, Tarrytown, New York, 10591 or by emailing CommunityBenefits@NewNYBridge.com. Letters can be faxed to (518) 426- 3995. 

Click here for more details and here for program procedures. 

Residents will also get to have a say on whether or not they want the bridge to have noise barriers and can vote up until July 11. Click here for details in The Journal News.